• From: Louisiana
  • Registered: 2012-01-16
  • Posts: 69

Topic: Advice requested

I am an architecture student and I have to run a lot of programs that linux doesn't have. I have a laptop (mac if you are wondering) and an old dell xps 200 desktop that I run #! on. All I use my desktop for is to surf the web and learn linux.  Besides tinkering with conky and tint2 which I am doing now. What are some things I can do to learn linux?

  • Registered: 2011-03-09
  • Posts: 3,235

Re: Advice requested

- read all relevant linux-introductory stuff on TLDP.org
- read lots of forum-posts
- try bash-scripting. it is easy and i have a signature-link filled with URLs to resources
- when you learn bash-scripting, think of stuff you need, and just start programming that
- when you learn bash-scripting, look at the 'dedicated' threads like this: http://crunchbanglinux.org/forums/topic … es-thread/ and learn from what others do
- read through some of the other great tips in this thread too: http://crunchbanglinux.org/forums/topic … r-learner/

good luck!

bash :: @script :: system :: fclean
  • From: Randorm 404
  • Registered: 2009-02-13
  • Posts: 1,750

Re: Advice requested

Use #! and maybe other preferred distros as much as possible, learn to solve problems and understand them as they come along. Determination and hard work will do miracles. Wish I had that in abundance!
Afraid there are no easy shortcuts, if you have a brain where  things stick it  will of course be a fast and easy process.

#!, all else is but a shadow!
  • pvsage
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  • From: Section Six
  • Registered: 2009-10-18
  • Posts: 6,006

Re: Advice requested

As an architecture student, you may want to have a look at qcad. wink

while ( ! ( succeed = try() ) );
  • From: Louisiana
  • Registered: 2012-01-16
  • Posts: 69

Re: Advice requested

I plan on it. I can just get that from the terminal with

sudo apt-get install qcad

correct?

  • pvsage
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  • From: Section Six
  • Registered: 2009-10-18
  • Posts: 6,006

Re: Advice requested

^ Indeed.

while ( ! ( succeed = try() ) );
  • From: In Front of The Black Gates
  • Registered: 2011-04-26
  • Posts: 5,151

Re: Advice requested

I would also recommend digging into all of the methods of backing up and restoring.  rsync, dd, fsarchiver, etc etc

Testing a successful restore is not only fulfilling for knowledge, but gives one an incredible peace of mind!

Also, any networking knowledge is a plus.. ssh, sshfs, /etc/interfaces configs etc etc etc

Building a kernel from scratch is nirvana!

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  • hinto
  • #! Die-hard
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  • From: Cary, NC
  • Registered: 2010-12-08
  • Posts: 567

Re: Advice requested

I'd recommend using nothing but Linux for at least a week.  I never really "learned" it until I made it the only OS I used.  Once I became comfortable with it, then I could flip back and forth seamlessly between OS's. (Windows/Mac/Linux)
-H

"When any government, or church for that matter, undertakes to say to it's subjects, this you may not read, this you must not see, this you are forbidden to know the end result is tyranny and oppression, no matter how holy the motive."
-Robert A. Heinlein
  • dubois
  • The Old Codger
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  • From: Austin, Texas
  • Registered: 2010-09-03
  • Posts: 2,193

Re: Advice requested

What VastOne just said.  Without his [or her] help a couple times I'd still be futzing with my system.  big_smile

Last edited by dubois (2012-01-17 17:19:45)

My formula for living is quite simple. I get up in the morning and I go to bed at night. In between, I occupy myself as best I can.
Cary Grant
  • From: In Front of The Black Gates
  • Registered: 2011-04-26
  • Posts: 5,151

Re: Advice requested

^ Me be a HIM ... roll

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  • From: #! NightClub
  • Registered: 2011-06-02
  • Posts: 3,869

Re: Advice requested

The most important, relax, chill and use your OS, if you encounter a problem, try to troubleshoot it, then you will learn. Linux is no rocket science. Avoid reinstalls if you have a problem, better to ask here and some #! guru will help you out or try to find the secret answers in the forums. This forum is a great place even Google knows that. wink

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  • From: In Front of The Black Gates
  • Registered: 2011-04-26
  • Posts: 5,151

Re: Advice requested

^ Excellent advice Ivan the Great

I have also dug up some gems on the Quick Reference Page here and on the Wiki here

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  • Registered: 2009-01-07
  • Posts: 306

Re: Advice requested

You can view a looooooong list of CAD softwares on my website

http://shengchieh.50webs.com/tuxslinks.html
-> softwares
-> CAD/Rendering/Graphics

Sheng-Chieh

Tux's Links
http://shengchieh.50webs.com/tuxslinks.html
  • From: UK
  • Registered: 2011-10-20
  • Posts: 160

Re: Advice requested

Break stuff (and then try to fix it). That's usually how I learned about various linux related things (xorg.conf is the scourge of my computer life).

Last edited by Throne777 (2012-01-22 13:42:30)

All we ever were, just zeroes and ones.

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  • From: PH
  • Registered: 2011-10-05
  • Posts: 109

Re: Advice requested

Use CLI apps and commands as much as you can (at the very least stuff like extracting compressed files, simple text editing, controlling music, etc.). You would never know when you'll need them. Most of the time, they're faster than using the GUI version. The terminal is your friend in Linux. wink

How I Became A Linux Lover
  • From: Kowloon
  • Registered: 2011-10-13
  • Posts: 407

Re: Advice requested

Learn some of these commands. http://blog.commandlinekungfu.com/

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  • From: 127.0.0.1
  • Registered: 2010-07-02
  • Posts: 1,274

Re: Advice requested

Also, not to downplay qcad (I love what the devs have done there) but there is also a free demo of draftsight available that runs natively on linux.

Last edited by mynis01 (2012-01-23 08:11:42)

  • Registered: 2012-01-11
  • Posts: 30

Re: Advice requested

Break and avoid reinstalls, those two worked for me...
Although to be honest I ve been in the 24hr install-wipe/out frenzy a few times....

If you break it, you get to keep all pieces.